Color Correction

Color correction, or color grading, is a technique often used in cinematography. It is the concept of altering the color balance of a film in post-production, to achieve a desired effect. While color correction used to be achieved with chemicals applied to the film stock, modern technology allows directors/cinematographers to apply color correction digitally. This same digital color correction is also a feature of the Source engine. Modern color correction, whether for theatrical film or video distribution, is generally done digitally.

There are two types of Color Correction (CC)
Hardware-based systems (da Vinci 2K, Pandora, etc.) have historically offered better performance and a smaller feature set than software-based systems (i.e. Discreet Lustre, Apple's Color (previously Silicon Color Final Touch), ASSIMILATE SCRATCH, Iridas Speedgrade, etc.). While hardware-based systems always offer real-time performance, software-based systems need to render as the complexity of the color grading increases. On the other hand, software-based systems tend to have more features such as spline-based windows/masks and advanced motion tracking.
The line between hardware and software is blurring as many software-based color correctors (e.g. Digital Vision Film Master and Filmlight Baselight) use multi processor workstations and a GPU (graphics processing unit) as a means of hardware acceleration. As well, some newer software-based systems use specialized hardware to improve performance (e.g. da Vinci Resolve).